Mt Ruapehu Walk

Not only is Mt Ruapehu the North Island's highest mountain, it is one of New Zealand's most famous peaks. Ruapehu has repeatedly featured in international news media, due to spectacular eruptions in 1995 and 1996, and a Crater Lake break-out lahar (from a tephra dam collapse) in 2007. Earlier, in 1945, 151 people died after a break-out lahar washed out a railway bridge, and caused a passenger train to plunge into the swollen river below. The mountain is also home to two of New Zealand's busiest ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa.

A day tramp to Mt Ruapehu's summit is a memorable experience and the views over the crater lake are remarkable. Be warned however, that the tramp to the Dome summit is an unmarked route, and we highly recommend that you take the guided trip.

For more information and maps on walking up Mt Ruapehu, visit the 'Mt Ruapehu Walk' link at the bottom of this page.

Mt Ruapehu is one of the official peaks on the PeakBagging.co.nz list. Peakbagging.co.nz is New Zealand's first peak bagging list for walkers and trampers.  Peak Bagging is fun way to get into the outdoors and provides a great motivation for seeking out the less travelled hill and mountain summits of New Zealand.